Chapter 37

Hannah injected the medicine into Herman. Anticipating exposure, Cain hired a hitman to silence her. Nash had pieced together the story, but needed to speak with Cain to confirm it. He helped a delivery man, Hugo Zabinski, to his feet.

“There is someone behind your son and sister-in-law's deaths,” Nash assured him confidently. “I will investigate and bring the mastermind to justice. You should not become involved.”

“You’re all in this together! I don’t believe you!” Hugo’s deep hatred for the Lewises, and Nash’s engagement to Hera, fueled his distrust.

“If you meddle, you’ll not only fail to avenge them, but you’ll endanger yourself and your wife,” Nash warned, his eyes narrowed.

Hugo’s bravado subsided. He was an ordinary delivery man; the Lewises were a powerful family he couldn't afford to antagonize. His own death mattered less than the safety of his wife and elderly parents.

After a moment, Hugo asked, “What should I do?”

“Take your wife and hide,” Nash instructed.

A lingering doubt remained. Was Cain trying to kill his brother solely to help Hubert and his family, or was there another reason? Assisting Hubert in acquiring the Lewis' assets was manageable; another motive could spell disaster for the entire Lewis family.

Kneeling, Hugo pleaded, “Mr. Calcraft, you must ensure the culprit is imprisoned; my son and sister-in-law deserve peace.”

Nash nodded. “I will do my best.”

It was dark when Nash saw Hugo off. He retrieved his bag from beside the sofa: black tactical gear, a white smiling face mask, and a blood-red diamond-shaped dagger – his standard assassination equipment. On the dark web, he was known as To-Smiling Death. This time, however, he wasn't there to kill.

Near midnight, Nash stood before a mirror, regarding the smiling mask with a sense of surreal detachment. Four years had passed since he last wore it. His smartphone vibrated; a video call from Hera. He removed the mask, got into bed, and answered, showing only his head, feigning sleepiness.

Hera, in pink pajamas, looked slightly embarrassed. “Did I wake you?”

Nash yawned. “Good you’re self-aware… Why aren’t you asleep?”

Hera pursed her lips. “I can’t sleep…”

Noticing her worry, Nash smiled. “Something on your mind?”

“I hope you won’t be angry…”

“Go ahead.”

“My grandfather wants me to marry Hunter Hill, and they’re proposing on my birthday!”

“Oh.”

“‘Oh’? That’s all?” Hera pouted.

“It’s a proposal, not a wedding!” Nash chuckled.

“You’re my fiancé! Aren’t you even a little jealous?”

Disappointment flickered in Hera’s heart. “I understand. You’re just completing your master’s assignment. You won’t develop feelings for me, right?”